What this is
A K-12 articulated scope and sequence for digital literacy — keyboarding and digital productivity, online safety, research and source evaluation, digital communication, and foundational digital citizenship skills.
Why it matters
A written scope and sequence makes digital literacy a districtwide expectation rather than relying on individual teacher initiative. With it, students in the same district leave elementary school with shared foundations regardless of which classroom they sat in.
Connects to
ISTE Standards for Students: 1.1 (Empowered Learner), 1.2 (Digital Citizen & AI Literacy), 1.3 (Knowledge Constructor). The Framework: supports development toward all 12 Conditions by providing foundational literacy.
Maturity levels
Not Started
No written scope and sequence. Digital literacy taught by teachers who take it on themselves, or not taught at all in many classrooms.
Emerging
Some curriculum exists but uneven across schools. No grade-band differentiation. Often concentrated in elementary only, or siloed in a standalone technology class.
Established
K-12 scope and sequence documented and grade-band differentiated (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12). Integrated into broader curriculum rather than taught as a standalone "computer class" — subject-area teachers (not just librarians or tech teachers) share responsibility for digital literacy in their content areas. Teacher responsibility is clearly articulated. An exit profile articulates what graduating students should know and be able to do with technology and media.
Expanding
Scope and sequence reviewed annually against emerging needs (AI, deepfakes, algorithmic literacy). Student mastery is assessed, not just exposure. Articulated across transitions (elementary to middle to high school). Subject-specific integration is robust and assessed across all content areas. Exit profile is backward-mapped to drive K-8 sequencing. Aligned with state standards and ISTE or equivalent framework. Student input incorporated into revisions.
Go deeper with
Example resource
Common Sense Education Digital Literacy Curriculum
Also consider
- ISTE Standards for Students — foundational framework for digital literacy competencies
- Google Digital Citizenship and Safety Curriculum — Be Internet Awesome materials
- MediaWise (Poynter) — evaluation and source-checking curriculum